Jovic

Like Jovic, Belarusian Sabalenka is yet to drop a set at this year’s Australian Open.

She has now reached at least the quarter-finals in 13 consecutive Grand Slam appearances and is two wins away from a fourth successive final in Melbourne.

The champion in 2023 and 2024, she lost last year’s final to American Madison Keys.

The 27-year-old appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory against 17th seed Mboko, leading by a set and a double break.

However, she almost let a 4-1 lead slip in the second set and eventually clinched victory in a tie-break.

“She’s an amazing player, it was quite a fight and I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets,” said Sabalenka.

“The second set was a bit tricky but I’m happy with the level I played and happy to be through.”

Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic suffered a “gut-wrenching” knee injury as the Denver Nuggets lost 147-123 at the Miami Heat.

Jokic was hurt late in the first half in an accidental coming together with team-mate Spencer Jones.

Jones stepped on the foot of Jokic who immediately collapsed to the ground clutching his knee.

The 30-year-old will have an MRI scan on Tuesday to determine the seriousness of the problem.

“Immediately, he knew something was wrong,” said Nuggets head coach David Adelman.

“This is part of the NBA. Anyone who gets hurt, it’s gut-wrenching, especially somebody as special as he is. We’ll find out more tomorrow.

“We’ll move on as a team. Obviously, right now, I’m more concerned just about him as a person and the disappointment of going through something like that.”

Jokic, who leads the NBA season in rebounds and assists, had 21 points and eight assists in the game before suffering the injury.